Chelsea’s £27m bid for Franck Kessie rejected

Chelsea have reportedly had a £27m bid for Ivory Coast international star Franck Kessie turned down, according to the Daily Star.

The Premier League side, who have pulled eight points clear at the top of the standings after beating Hull City 2-0 on Sunday, have been continually linked with the Atalanta midfielder during the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old, who has 10 international caps for his country and featured for the Ivory Coast at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side so far this season.

Kessie, who spent last term on loan at Cesena, is also said to be attracting interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

The report suggests The Blues offered £21m up front, with the deal potentially rising to £27m with add-ons.

Dubbed the new ‘Yaya Toure’, Atalanta are eager to keep hold of Kessie’s services until the summer.